North Eastern Secondary Schools Sports Association secretary Bishar Bontore is confident teams from the region will do well at the nationals scheduled for Kakamega next week.
“We had a highly competitive event bringing together schools from all the counties of Mandera, Garissa and Wajir. The event was flawless and I want to thank the Regional Director of Education, Wajir Director of Education, Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association leaders and the regional executive committee,” said Bontore.
He spoke on Thursday after the conclusion of the regional games held in Wajir. Previously, North Eastern teams have been whipping boys at the nationals.
The teams that will represent the region are Khorof Harar (boys’ football), Hon DM Amin Girls (netball), Furaha Mixed (boys’ volleyball), Senior Chief Adano (girls’ volleyball), Wajir High (3x3 boys’ basketball) and Wajir Girls (3x3 girls’ basketball).
He said the region will not present teams in rugby 7s and girls’ football, giving host region, Western, an opportunity to field two representatives in girls’ football and two extra slots in rugby 7s.
Immediately after the event on Thursday evening, the teams began their long journey to Kakamega, where the national championships will kick off on Tuesday.
“The teams are raring to go. We hope to arrive early to acclimatise before the games kick off,” Bontore told the Star.
Debutants Khorof Harar face a Herculean task at the nationals where they are pooled alongside Nyanza region champions Agoro Sare, Western region’s Shanderema and Central’s Kirangari.
Pool ‘B’ will feature former champions St Anthony’s Kitale, Dagoretti High (Nairobi), Matikilu (Eastern) and Serani Boys (Coast).
At the same time, the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association has unveiled venues for the games. Football will be staged at Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega High School and Mukumu Boys while Kakamega High School will host volleyball and netball. Kakamega and Mukumu will also host 3x3 basketball.
Rugby 7s will be held at the Bullring while Kakamega Sports Club will host lawn tennis. Masinde Murilo University of Science and Technology will stage table tennis and badminton.
